Sheriff Paul Penzone will chair the 2017 ‘Evening to Paws’

The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) in partnership with presenting sponsor PetSmart Charities, is bringing South American flair to its annual fundraiser, Evening to Paws, by turning an Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia ballroom into the “CoPawCobana.”

“Evening to Paws is AAWL’s biggest fundraiser of the year,” says Judith Gardner, president and CEO of AAWL. “This event brings together the community’s most dedicated animal lovers, and we are humbled by the support of our honorary chair, Sheriff Paul Penzone, and PetSmart Charities.”

Guests will channel their inner Carmen Miranda – no fruit hat required – at this gala while sipping rum cocktails, strolling through the upscale “market” of hundreds of unique auction items, then samba to the sounds of Bossa Brazil before enjoying a Taste of Brazil plated dinner.

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone and his wife, Veronica, are the event’s honorary chairs attending the evening’s full activities.

“Arizona Animal Welfare League has long been a trusted partner of PetSmart Charities and has made great strides in addressing the needs of pets in the Phoenix community,” said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., president of Phoenix-based PetSmart Charities. “We look forward to celebrating their dedication to local animal welfare issues and promoting local pets in need of a lifelong forever home at this year’s Evening to Paws event.”

Attendees who don’t want the night to end can enter a raffle for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba. This includes a four-night stay at Hotel Saratoga in Havana with a $600 Visa gift card, private tours in a vintage car, a Hemingway Excursion, private Jeep tours and concierge service.

AAWL is the state’s largest no-kill shelter. Proceeds from this event support more than 4,000 homeless animals AAWL rescues and rehabilitates every year. In December, the shelter partnered with Colorado-based National Mill Dog Rescue to provide shelter, healthcare and boarding for two dozen Maltese and Yorkie puppy mill dogs.

Evening to Paws will be held March 18 at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia (4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale AZ 85253). The event begins at 6 p.m. and is expected to last until 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $250 per person. Raffle tickets are $100 each or three for $250.